Photo Release

The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, represented by Consul Melvin Almonguera and Atty. Mark Arinquin, joined officers, athletes, coaches, and members of the Filipino American community at the opening ceremonies of the United Philippine Sports Alliance's (UPSA) 3rd Annual National Basketball Championship held at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park, Illinois on 04 July 2026.

On behalf of Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, Consul Almonguera congratulated the UPSA and its partner organizations, including the Illinois-based Southwest Illinois Filipino Basketball Club (SWIFBAC), for organizing the national tournament. He highlighted basketball's enduring place in Filipino culture and its role in promoting discipline, teamwork and respect, while noting that same values are reflected in the contributions of Filipinos and Filipino Americans across the U.S.

The two-day championship brought together Filipino-American basketball teams from Illinois, California, New York, Kentucky and other parts of the U.S. Organized by the UPSA, a nationwide Filipino-American sports organization, the tournament featured youth and adult divisions, providing an avenue for athletes and their families to foster camaraderie, sportsmanship and community ties while celebrating their shared Filipino heritage. END